How to Negotiate Your Franchise Agreement

September 14, 2018


 

A person who signs a franchise arrangement is carrying out a valid legal contract. It needs the franchisee to satisfy certain obligations and follow standards for operating their franchise.

Before you sign the franchise contract you have to be comfy with all its arrangements. In order to attain this comfort level you and your franchise lawyer might feel it required for the franchisor to make modifications to the contract. Some franchisors will work out regards to their franchise arrangement while others will not. Quite often, the choice to work out is based upon the size and maturity of the franchisor. The larger franchisors find it a lot easier to say “no”. Although franchisors are assisted by franchise regulations, state statutes and sound organisation practice, specific provisions can be negotiated and changed.

Before you come to the point of negotiating your franchise arrangement there is a process you’ll have to follow.

· Engage An Experienced Franchise Lawyer To Evaluation The Contract

· Confirm That The Franchisor Will Negotiate Regards To The Contract. Some franchisors will not make any modifications to their contract. On the other hand some franchisors might have unreasonable or difficult terms in their franchise agreement. In order to secure yourself ensure your attorney evaluates the contract to recognize any possible concerns although you can’t work out the arrangement.

· Recognize That Particular Terms Are Non-Negotiable

Royalty costs, territory size, termination provisions, length of the agreement, non-competes and legal place are examples of exactly what are considered the “untouchable” provisions. Few if any franchisors will negotiate or alter these provisions.

· Focus On The Essential Points In The Arrangement. Restrictions on services and products that you want to sell

· Indemnification Arrangements. Take care that you’re not held responsible for loses or harms that are not triggered directly by the acts of you or your staff members. You might ask for language, which does not need you to indemnify the franchisor if you follow the treatments and policies of the franchisor.

· Marketing. Arrangements that require you to invest a set dollar quantity or per-cent of sales on advertising might be lowered throughout your first few years of operation.

· The Transfer and Project Area. Make sure your attorney carefully examines this section which you understand your obligations and rights.

These represent a few of the more notable examples of sections in a franchise arrangement, which you and your lawyer may want to work out. A franchise arrangement is a complex document and by design is prefers the franchisor.

Ensure that before you sign on the “dotted line” you totally understand your obligations and are comfy with the final contract.

Before you sign the franchise arrangement you need to be comfortable with all its provisions. In order to attain this convenience level you and your franchise attorney may feel it essential for the franchisor to make modifications to the agreement. Some franchisors will work out terms of their franchise agreement while others will not. Quite often, the choice to work out is based upon the size and maturity of the franchisor. The bigger franchisors find it much easier to state “no”. Although franchisors are assisted by franchise regulations, state statutes and sound service practice, particular arrangements can be negotiated and changed.

Prior to you reach the point of negotiating your franchise arrangement there is a process you’ll have to follow.

· Engage An Experienced Franchise Lawyer To Review The Contract

· Confirm That The Franchisor Will Negotiate Regards To The Agreement. Some franchisors will not make any modifications to their arrangement. On the other hand some franchisors might have unreasonable or difficult terms in their franchise contract. In order to protect yourself make sure your lawyer reviews the agreement to determine any possible problems although you can’t negotiate the arrangement.

· Acknowledge That Certain Terms Are Non-Negotiable

Royalty fees, area size, termination arrangements, length of the agreement, non-competes and legal place are examples of what are considered the “untouchable” provisions. Few if any franchisors will negotiate or alter these provisions.

· Concentrate on The Essential Points In The Agreement. Limitations on services and products that you want to offer

· Indemnification Arrangements. Beware that you’re not held accountable for loses or harms that are not caused directly by the acts of you or your employees. You may ask for language, which does not need you to indemnify the franchisor if you follow the treatments and policies of the franchisor.

· Advertising. Provisions that require you to invest a set dollar amount or per-cent of sales on advertising may be reduced throughout your very first couple of years of operation.

· The Transfer and Project Section. Make sure your lawyer carefully examines this section and that you comprehend your duties and rights.

These represent a few of the more notable examples of areas in a franchise arrangement, which you and your attorney might want to work out. A franchise arrangement is a complicated document and by design is prefers the franchisor.

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